An Ottoman silk and metal thread embroidered ceremonial cover, Turkey,

red wool ground

Now backed and mounted on stretcher, accompanied by original lining and braid, some minor scattered holes, mainly along edges, minor small holes and darned restorations in field, some losses to metal thread in central roundel and in some tents and tree trunks, generally metal thread in good condition, colours fresh, embroidery in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A tent of similar design to those in this cloth can be found on a sash illustrated in Taylor, Roderick, Ottoman Embroidery, London, 1993, p. 16.

This embroidery, with its depiction of tents scattered amongst trees, and central medallion where the poles of the three tents, pointing at  the centre of the sun or flower motif, form a dynamic pictogram of a target is probably associated with competitive archery: archery was a popular  sport amongst the Ottomans. In the late 18th and early 19th century the Istanbul district now known as Nisantasi, then an open area of fields and orchards, was the location for the range archery competitions of the Ottoman Army. Inscribed stone pillars, or target stones, can still be found scattered through the district and have given their name to the area (Nisantasi means 'target stone'); the earliest was erected by Sultan Selim III around 1790-91, another stands at the intersection of Tesvikiye and Valikonagi avenues and has an inscription that states "Work of art that Sultan Mecid (Adbulmecid) established without any expectations of compensation".  The stones are  said to have been erected to mark particularly successful shots.